Home/Community Stories/Switching from Student Route to 2-Year Graduate Visa using the UK Immigration ID Check App

Graduate Visa3 Weeks Total ProcessingVerified UK Immigrant

Switching from Student Route to 2-Year Graduate Visa using the UK Immigration ID Check App

Hong Kong (Hong Kong) → United Kingdom (Bristol)

Grace TanRelocated 2025-12

The Relocation Journey & Experience

Applied completely within the UK via the smartphone biometric app. Did not have to hand in passport or visit a UKVCAS centre. Approved in under 3 weeks with instant digital share code status.

Key Advice for Future Applicants

Do NOT submit your Graduate Visa application before your university has formally reported your course completion to the Home Office.

Practical Tips & Document Notes

Wait for official email from university confirming Home Office completion notification
Graduate visa cannot be extended, but allows switching into Skilled Worker anytime
Full right to work in any role including self-employment (excluding professional sport)

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Key Takeaway:

The Global Talent route gives unmatched freedom to switch jobs, start a company, or consult without sponsor lock-in.

Practical Advice:

Focus on impact rather than just senior titles in your 10 pieces of evidence
Letters of recommendation must be from C-suite leaders who know your work personally

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Key Takeaway:

Ensure your employer includes the Health and Care designation indicator on your CoS to qualify for the fee reduction.

Practical Advice:

IELTS Academic overall 7.0 or OET Grade B required for NMC registration
Exempt from standard £1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge

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Farah & Liam Khan

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Spouse Visa (Appendix FM) Journey: Meeting Financial Requirements & Relationship Evidence

Applied from Pakistan to join my British citizen husband in Birmingham. We prepared over 80 pages of combined relationship evidence (chat logs, wedding photos, tenancy agreement in UK, 6 months payslips and bank statements). Decision took 12 weeks standard.

Key Takeaway:

Structure your PDF evidence chronologically with an index page. Makes the caseworker’s job 10x easier.

Practical Advice:

A1 CEFR English test certificate is required (valid for 2 years)
Submit continuous 6-month payslips matching bank statement deposit dates

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